MQ-8C

Fire Scout
Unmanned Air System
MQ-8C Fire Scout

N orthrop Grumman’s MQ-8C Fire Scout

combines the best of two proven air systems
in a low-cost, fast-fielding package. The
expanded capability unmanned air system offers
the versatile reconnaissance, surveillance and target
acquisition architecture of the U.S. Navy’s MQ-8B
Fire Scout, and the extended range, payload and
cargo hauling capabilities of the commercially
mature Bell 407 helicopter.

The MQ-8C Fire Scout is a fully autonomous,

four-blade, single-engine unmanned helicopter.
Like the MQ-8B, it can carry an array of ISR sensors
to support the warfighters’ demand for enhanced
situational awareness. The MQ-8C extended cargo MQ-8C Fire Scout VTUAV.
and payload capability (2,650 lbs max external)
and increased endurance deliver additional mission
flexibility to commanders on the ground. Specifications
Length .................................................................... 41.4 ft (12.6 m)
Bell Helicopter Width .......................................................................... 8.7 ft (2.7 m)
The FAA-certified Bell 407 helicopter is a proven Height ...................................................................... 10.9 ft (3.3 m)
platform widely used by corporations, hospitals, news Rotor Diameter ..................................................... 35 ft (10.7 m)
organizations, movie studios and law enforcement
agencies worldwide. There are more than 1,100 Bell Blades Folded Hangar................................. 7.8 x 34.7 x 10.9 ft
(2.4 x 10.6 x 3.3 m)
407 helicopters in service with 4 million accumulated
flight hours. Weight ................................................................ 6,000 lbs (max)
Propulsion . .......................................... Rolls-Royce 250-C47E
Versatile, Flexible Platform with Dual Channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control
Fire Scout supports both maritime- and land-based Performance
missions, taking off and landing on suitably equipped Speed .................................................................. 135 knots (max)
air-capable warships and at prepared and unprepared Ceiling . .............................................................................. 16,000 ft
landing zones. The MQ-8C has been designed to Range/Endurance ......................................... 1,227 nmi/12 hrs
communicate easily with shipboard controllers
Payload (Internal) ............................................................ 500 lbs
using the Navy’s Mission Control System.
Typical Payload ................................................................. 300 lbs
Meeting Future Requirements Maximum Sling Load ............. 2,650 lbs (Bell 407 feature)

The MQ-8C Fire Scout delivers what military Payloads

planners want, and what warfighters need. This EO/IR/LRF/Comm Relay/AIS/
reliable, low-cost vertical unmanned system is Maritime Radar (future), COBRA Mine Detector (future)
versatile enough to support intelligence, surveillance Multiple payloads and configuration available
and reconnaissance, cargo, and communications
requirements of land and sea forces, while being
rugged and persistent enough to stay in the fight For more information, please contact:
until the mission is complete. Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
Autonomous Systems
MQ-8C Fire Scout is part of Northrop Grumman’s Flory Ellis
family of unmanned aircraft systems that have 858-618-6938 • Flory.Ellis@ngc.com
been delivered to customers worldwide for more
than 70 years. Media Contact
T.J. Ortega
858-204-6241 • timothy.ortega@ngc.com
www.northropgrumman.com/firescout
© 2017 Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Printed in USA
MARCOM San Diego
AS • 04/17 • 66006
NAVAIR Public Release SPR-2015-89
Distribution Statement A - Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited, 19 February 2015; Northrop Grumman 15-0114